About Our School

About JFK

“Things do not happen; things are made to happen.”

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy High School is a comprehensive high school located in the Bear Valley neighborhood, serving students in grades 9-12. With a highly-qualified staff, engaging and diverse course options, and a stellar counseling department, JFK is a top choice for students across the district.

JFK provides a variety of options for our students, as high school is all about learning and exploring who we are and who we want to be as we grow. Academic options, including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, or Career Connect pathways are at the heart of our program, but students can also choose to pursue a combination of coursework with a focus on future careers or fields of study. We also recognize the need for a well-rounded education, which is why a broad range of electives and extracurricular activities are offered. Film, graphic design, drama, choir, engineering, art, business, photography, or instrumental music are just some of the many fun and interesting course options we offer.

Additionally, the JFK School Counseling Program has been recognized as a Model Program by the American School Counseling Association since 2009. We have been proven to and recognized for providing a model comprehensive school counseling program where we are able to thoroughly and appropriately meet the needs of our students academically, with college and career readiness, and by addressing social emotional needs. In the 2018-2019 school year, we are one of the first and only school counseling programs in the entire country that will be applying for the RAMP designation for the 4th time.

School Colors: Navy Blue & Kelly Green

Mascot: The Commanders

History

John F. Kennedy High School first opened its doors for the 1965-1966 school year, and it has been proudly serving students and families in the Southwest Denver community and beyond for over 50 years.

John F. Kennedy High School was named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, only two years prior to the school’s opening.

Our mascot is the Commanders, which represents President Kennedy’s service as a Naval Commander in the South Pacific on the PT 109, a Patrol Torpedo boat, during WWII. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for demonstrating leadership and courage while saving numerous shipmates, as well as a Purple Heart for injuries sustained as a result..

JFK’s school colors, Navy Blue and Kelly Green, also represent President Kennedy. The Navy Blue represents his naval career, and the Kelly Green represents his Irish Catholic faith, as he was the first Catholic to ever be elected President of the United States.